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Whitecourt / Woodlands Military Tattoo slated for June

The Whitecourt / Woodlands Military Tattoo, which will feature multiple cadet bands and other musical groups, is now scheduled to take place from June 9 to 10.

The Whitecourt Woodlands Hawks Foundation presented on this new event to Whitecourt Town Council during its regular meeting on Feb. 26.

Consisting of parent and community members, the foundation works to support the local Royal Canadian Air Cadets—#721 Hawk Squadron. Capt. Ken Westling with the Hawks explained that this military tattoo was created to give back to the community and to celebrate the 20th anniversary since the squadron was reinstated.

"Lots of people are attracted to this kind of event," Westling said.

A military tattoo is a military performance of music or a general display of the armed forces. Westling stated that a military tattoo hasn't existed in Alberta since 1995 and that this new event would be one of three in Canada this year.

The event will begin with a "Freedom of the City" parade where the assembled bands will march on the town and request "Freedom of the City" from the community's elected representatives.

Westling explained that, as per custom, the parade cannot request this and would require the Town and County to unilaterally provide them a letter giving permission.

The musical performances would then take place at the Scott Safety Centre. Foundation director Marc Chayer noted that the foundation considered holding the Military Tattoo at Rotary Park but decided to hold it indoors due to concerns with the weather.

The tattoo currently has two committed bands, six interested bands and eight cadet units.

Chayer stated that the foundation is planning to submit a grant application to the Whitecourt Woodlands Tourism and that the Military Tattoo would have a budget of a few thousand dollars. He added that this event could potentially draw around 1,200 people, taking into account the family members that could accompany cadets to the event.

While Chayer estimated that the Military Tattoo could bring $150,000 to the community, Whitecourt Mayor Maryann Chichak stated that it could be anywhere between $250,000 to $500,000 if the expected attendance numbers were correct.

"I know I'm excited for it," Chichak said. "The economic development value and just the exposure to the community is huge."

Council moved to accept the delegation as information and to write a letter offering "Freedom of the City" to the parade. The foundation previously met with Woodlands County Council in November 2017 to ask for guidance and $10,000 in seed money for the Military Tattoo.